Hong Sungji won 4th Prices Information Cup

27 Jul

Hong Sungji won his first title

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Hong Sungji

26 and 27 July Hong Sungji 6p and Lee Sedol 9p plays last two games in 4th Prices Information Cup. Everything started yesterday when Lee Sedol play avalanche variation of joseki in bottom side. This joseki were very popular few years ago, but Lee Sedol in the end play his new variation, starting complex fight in center.

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First the flow looks good for Hong Sungji but then Lee Sedol build big moyo in upper side and obtain leading in territory. Lee Sedol won the game by resignation after 252 moves, showing one again he is one of the most creative pro player.This win give Lee Sedol hope that he can defend his title for next year. Next game was scheduled for 26 April, so Hong Sungji had only one day for regenerate his strength.

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In last game Hong Sungji took black stones and elect to play mini chinese opening. Of course Lee Sedol was very happy to play pincer at bottom side to start fight, but Hong Sungji must be prepared to this, because he play black 19 and build large framework in bottom right corner.

After cap of white 26, they start complicated fight in corner. Locally Lee Sedol make life in corner and kill some black stones, but like in the first game, Hong Sungji get huge global strength and start severe attack on white group in center. Maybe instead of making life in corner it would be better to sacrifice these stones and seal in black by blocking at B10.

Fight in center was very hard for white, but after black 133 it looks really hopeless. After 203 moves Lee Sedol resigned and give up the title to Hong Sungji. This is first title in Hong Sungji career and i’m sure that he will be promoted in near future. Hong Sungji won 25 milion Won nd Lee Sedol gets 10 milion Won for second place.

BTW: Hong Sungji not only won his first title but recently advance to Oza World Championship after beating Won Sungjin 9p and Kang Dongyun 8p. Hong Sungji also said today in interview that his next goal is World Championship.